Top Tips for Keeping Your Crested Gecko Happy and Healthy

Crested geckos are among the most fascinating and beginner-friendly reptiles to care for. Known for their expressive faces, soft crests, and calm nature, they make wonderful companions for reptile lovers of all experience levels. However, keeping them happy and healthy requires more than just basic care; it involves understanding their natural behavior, dietary needs, and ideal habitat setup. With the right attention and environment, these charming geckos can live long, thriving lives while showing off their unique personalities.

Create the Perfect Habitat

A healthy crested gecko starts with a suitable environment. These arboreal reptiles love to climb, so a vertical terrarium is ideal. The enclosure should be at least 18x18x24 inches for one adult gecko, providing plenty of height and hiding spaces. Humidity and temperature are crucial. Maintain humidity between 60–80% using a spray bottle or misting system. The temperature should range from 72–78°F during the day, with a slight drop at night. Avoid direct heat lamps, as crested geckos can easily overheat. Lighting should mimic a natural day-night cycle, but they don’t require intense UVB lighting like some reptiles. A low-level UVB bulb can still be beneficial for their overall health.

If you’re setting up your first enclosure and considering bringing one home, you’ll find plenty of helpful guides and setups available when browsing for a crested gecko for sale. Make sure the seller provides care advice and proper housing recommendations before you make your decision.

Choose a Safe and Comfortable Substrate

The substrate you choose affects both cleanliness and your gecko’s health. Avoid loose substrates like sand or bark chips, which can cause impaction if ingested. Instead, consider:

• Coconut fiber: retains humidity well and provides a natural look.
• Paper towels: perfect for young geckos or easy cleaning.
• Reptile carpet: reusable and simple to maintain.

Change the substrate regularly and spot-clean any waste to prevent bacteria buildup.

When setting up your vivarium, think about how it will replicate their native New Caledonian rainforest, moist, lush, and full of climbing opportunities. This helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.

Handle with Care

While crested geckos are generally gentle, handling should be minimal, especially for new pets. Allow them to adjust to their environment first. Once comfortable, handle them for short sessions a few times a week. Always support their body and let them walk from hand to hand. Avoid grabbing their tail, as they can drop it when startled. The tail doesn’t grow back, but it won’t affect their health either.

Responsible handling not only builds trust but also reduces stress. Before you buy crested geckos, ask breeders or sellers about temperament and whether the gecko is accustomed to light handling.

Keep Their Diet Balanced and Varied

Crested geckos are omnivores, enjoying both fruit and insects. Many owners rely on commercially prepared gecko diets, which are nutrient-complete and easy to serve. However, offering variety is key.

Their weekly diet should include:

• Commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) – main food source.
• Insects like crickets or dubia roaches once or twice a week.
• Fresh fruit, such as mashed mango or banana, for enrichment.
• Always dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 powder. Overfeeding insects can cause obesity, so moderation matters.

When searching for the perfect companion, look for a Crested Gecko for sale from breeders who also share feeding tips and nutritional guidance.

Maintain Proper Hydration

Crested geckos rarely drink from bowls, preferring to lick water droplets from leaves. Mist their enclosure twice daily, once in the morning and again in the evening, to maintain humidity and provide hydration. A shallow dish of clean water should still be available at all times, even if it seems unused. Proper hydration supports shedding, digestion, and overall vitality.

Encourage Natural Behavior and Enrichment

Crested geckos are naturally curious creatures that love to explore their surroundings. Adding enrichment to their environment is a great way to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Incorporating features like branches and vines for climbing, artificial plants for hiding and security, and a variety of textures to explore helps them feel more engaged. Occasionally, rearranging the enclosure can also spark their curiosity and encourage exploration. These small touches go a long way in preventing boredom and stress. When you buy Crested Geckos, remember that they thrive best in enclosures that mimic the diversity and complexity of their natural rainforest habitat.

Watch for Signs of Good Health

Healthy crested geckos are alert, active at night, and have bright eyes. Their tails should be plump, and their skin smooth and even. Warning signs that something’s off include:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Trouble shedding
• Noticeable weight loss

If any of these occur, a reptile veterinarian should check them out promptly. Preventive care goes a long way in keeping your gecko thriving.

Those planning to buy crested geckos should always observe the animal’s health before purchasing. Reputable sellers provide feeding records, shedding history, and sometimes even temperament notes.

Build a Routine They Can Rely On

Like most reptiles, crested geckos do well with consistency. Keeping a routine for feeding, misting, and cleaning helps them feel secure. Try to maintain similar timing each day and avoid sudden changes in lighting or temperature. A calm, predictable environment goes a long way in promoting longevity and comfort. This small effort pays off with a healthy, happy gecko that lives a long and content life.

A Happy Gecko Starts with Good Care

Caring for a crested gecko isn’t complicated, but it requires attention and consistency. From creating the right habitat to offering a varied diet, each step contributes to their overall well-being. For anyone eager to learn more or explore reputable breeders, Wilbanks Captive Bred Reptiles offers a great starting point for discovering healthy, well-cared-for geckos. With the right foundation, your crested gecko can become one of the most delightful and rewarding pets you’ll ever own.